'We raised the bar against the best'

Martin Skrtel believes Liverpool proved beyond all doubt that they are capable of matching the best in the Barclays Premier League throughout a ground-breaking 2013-14 campaign.

With the exception of Chelsea, the Reds recorded victories over each of the top-eight sides either at Anfield or on the road during a season which saw them set records on a regular basis.

Manchester United were first to fall to Skrtel and co in September, when manager Brendan Rodgers recorded his first victory over the old enemy as boss at Anfield.

The Reds then ended a five-year hoodoo of no victories at White Hart Lane as they thrashed Tottenham Hotspur 5-0 in mid-December.

Disappointment against Manchester City and Chelsea followed after Christmas, but the Reds were back on track by the time Everton arrived for a 4-0 thrashing in front of the Kop in late January.

Skrtel struck twice to prompt a rollicking of Arsenal in February and in turn set the ball rolling on a stunning, mazy 11-game run which propelled the Reds to the top of the table.

Southampton were beaten 3-0 at St Mary's before United fell to Liverpool at Old Trafford for the first time in five years to the same scoreline. Tottenham were then trounced 4-0 and City were downed 3-2 in front of a raucous Anfield.

"The record we had in the year, of winning 11 games in a row was amazing," said Skrtel as he reflected on the campaign with Liverpoolfc.com.

"We beat Arsenal 5-1, United 3-0 away from home and Tottenham 4-0 at Anfield. They were great results and great performances. I think the way we played this season was great and I'm just disappointed that we couldn't win the league.

"It was a great experience for every single one of us. We've showed that we can be competitive with the big teams and I think that in the games we have played against the big teams, we have performed better.

"So I think that's a good experience for next season. There will be bigger pressure on us, because other teams will be ready for Liverpool. But I think there's quality in this team and that we can carry on this way for next season as well."